Lucian

Selected Dialogues

Edited by C. D. N. Costa

An informative Introduction stresses Lucian's importance both in his own time and to later European literature

Lucian

Selected Dialogues

Edited by C. D. N. Costa

Description

A translation of fourteen of Lucian's dialogues, offering a cross-section of his styles and satirical targets, from serious polemic (Alexander, Peregrinus) to lighter squibs and character-portrayals (Dialogues of the Courtesans). Also included are How to Write History and his most famous piece, A True History, a parody of the popular vogue for fabulous traveler's tales. Each piece has a summary introduction, and notes to clarify obscure allusions in the text. The Introduction examines in some detail Lucian's importance as a dominant Atticizer in the period of the Second Sophistic, as well as his extraordinarily widespread influence on later European literature.

Lucian

Selected Dialogues

Edited by C. D. N. Costa

Table of Contents

IntroductionPraise of the FlyThe DreamCharonTimonIcaromenippus, or High Above the CloudsNigrinusThe Death of PeregrinusAlexanderDemonaxHermotimus, or On Philosophical SchoolsLovers of Lies, or The ScepticHow to Write HistoryA True History IA True History IIDialogues of the CourtesansExplanatory Notes

Lucian

Selected Dialogues

Edited by C. D. N. Costa

Author Information

C. D. N. Costa is Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of Birmingham.